Battery system and battery power control method based on battery temperature sensor arrangement

Abstract

The invention relates to a battery system and a battery power control method based on a battery temperature sensor arrangement. A battery system having a plurality of cells and a cooling block disposed over the cells, the battery system comprising: a first temperature sensor disposed adjacent to an explosion-proof valve of the cells for sensing a temperature of the cells; the second temperature sensor is arranged at the lower part of the battery cell and is used for sensing the temperature of the battery cell; the third temperature sensor is arranged at the upper part of the battery cell and is used for sensing the temperature of the battery cell; and a controller receiving temperatures sensed by the first temperature sensor, the second temperature sensor, and the third temperature sensor, and determining whether a thermal runaway fault, an over-temperature fault, or a low-temperature fault occurs in the battery based on the sensed temperatures. The battery power can be controlled by sensing the temperature of the battery cell, judging whether the battery breaks down or not and determining the fault type, so that the service life of the battery is prolonged, and the safety of the battery is improved.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to a battery system based on a battery temperature sensor arrangement and a method for controlling battery power. Background Technology

[0002] A vehicle's battery system consists of multiple cells, and temperature control of the entire system is a key factor affecting battery performance and lifespan. Currently, some technologies only consider placing temperature sensors inside the cells. However, placing temperature sensors inside all cells in a vehicle's battery system is impractical and would increase costs. Furthermore, placing temperature sensors in only some cells may affect the consistency of cell temperature readings.

[0003] The above description of the background technology is only for the purpose of facilitating a deeper understanding of the technical solution of the present invention (the technical means used, the technical problems solved, and the technical effects produced, etc.), and should not be regarded as an admission or implication in any form that the above content constitutes prior art known to those skilled in the art. Summary of the Invention

[0004] To address the shortcomings of existing technologies, one objective of this invention is to provide a battery system and battery power control method based on the arrangement of battery temperature sensors. By placing temperature sensors at different locations outside the battery cell, the system can sense the temperature of the battery cell at different locations and determine whether the battery has malfunctioned and the type of malfunction based on the sensed temperature, thereby controlling the battery power and improving battery life and battery safety.

[0005] A battery system based on a battery temperature sensor arrangement according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention has a plurality of battery cells and a cooling block arranged above the battery cells. The battery system may include: at least one first temperature sensor arranged adjacent to an explosion-proof valve of at least one battery cell for sensing the temperature of the battery cell; at least one second temperature sensor arranged below at least one battery cell for sensing the temperature of the battery cell; at least one third temperature sensor arranged above at least one battery cell for sensing the temperature of the battery cell; and a controller that receives the temperatures sensed by the first, second, and third temperature sensors and determines whether the battery has experienced a thermal runaway fault, an over-temperature fault, or a low-temperature fault based on the temperatures sensed by the first, second, and third temperature sensors.

[0006] The controller can be configured to: compare the temperatures sensed by the first temperature sensor, the second temperature sensor, and the third temperature sensor, and determine the highest temperature and the lowest temperature; and use the determined highest temperature and the lowest temperature to determine whether the battery has experienced a thermal runaway fault, an over-temperature fault, or a low-temperature fault.

[0007] The controller can be further configured to: set the battery's charging power or discharging power to 0 when it is determined that the battery has experienced a thermal runaway fault, an over-temperature fault, a low-temperature fault, or other serious fault, or the battery's charging voltage has reached the charging cutoff voltage, or the battery's discharging voltage has reached the discharging cutoff voltage; and determine the battery's maximum charging power or maximum discharging power when it is determined that no thermal runaway fault, no over-temperature fault, no low-temperature fault, no other serious fault, and the battery's charging voltage has not reached the charging cutoff voltage, and the battery's discharging voltage has not reached the discharging cutoff voltage, and set the battery's power to be less than or equal to the maximum charging power or maximum discharging power.

[0008] The controller can be further configured to: determine whether the highest temperature exceeds a first predetermined temperature and lasts for a first predetermined time, and determine that a thermal runaway fault has occurred if the highest temperature exceeds the first predetermined temperature and lasts for a first predetermined time.

[0009] The controller may be further configured to: determine whether the highest temperature exceeds a second predetermined temperature and lasts for a second predetermined time if the highest temperature does not exceed a first predetermined temperature or does not last for a first predetermined time, and whether one-third or more of the total number of the first temperature sensor, the second temperature sensor, and the third temperature sensor are disconnected and continue for a second predetermined time; and determine that a thermal runaway fault has occurred if the highest temperature exceeds the second predetermined temperature and lasts for a second predetermined time, and one-third or more of the total number of the first temperature sensor, the second temperature sensor, and the third temperature sensor are disconnected and continue for a second predetermined time, wherein the second predetermined temperature is lower than the first predetermined temperature.

[0010] The controller can be further configured to: determine whether the highest temperature exceeds the second predetermined temperature and whether it continues to rise and generate a predetermined temperature difference within a third predetermined time if the highest temperature does not exceed the second predetermined temperature or does not last for a second predetermined time, or if one-third or more of the total number of the first temperature sensor, the second temperature sensor and the third temperature sensor are not disconnected or do not last for a second predetermined time; and determine that a thermal runaway fault has occurred if the highest temperature exceeds the second predetermined temperature and continues to rise and generate a predetermined temperature difference within a third predetermined time.

[0011] The controller can be further configured to: determine whether the highest temperature is lower than the third predetermined temperature if the highest temperature does not exceed the second predetermined temperature, or if the temperature does not continue to rise or a predetermined temperature difference is not generated within the third predetermined time; and determine that no thermal runaway fault has occurred if the highest temperature is lower than the third predetermined temperature, wherein the third predetermined temperature is lower than the second predetermined temperature.

[0012] The controller can be further configured to: if the highest temperature exceeds the third predetermined temperature, determine whether the highest temperature exceeds the second predetermined temperature; if the highest temperature exceeds the second predetermined temperature, after a fourth predetermined time, re-determine whether the highest temperature continues to rise within the third predetermined time and generates a predetermined temperature difference; if the highest temperature does not exceed the second predetermined temperature, determine that a thermal runaway fault has occurred.

[0013] The controller can be further configured to: determine whether the minimum temperature is lower than the fourth predetermined temperature, and if the minimum temperature is lower than the fourth predetermined temperature, determine that a low temperature fault has occurred.

[0014] The controller can be further configured to: determine whether the maximum temperature exceeds the fifth predetermined temperature if the minimum temperature is not lower than the fourth predetermined temperature, and determine that an over-temperature fault has occurred if the maximum temperature exceeds the fifth predetermined temperature, wherein the fifth predetermined temperature is greater than the fourth predetermined temperature.

[0015] The controller can be further configured to: determine whether the highest temperature exceeds a sixth predetermined temperature if the highest temperature does not exceed a fifth predetermined temperature; if the highest temperature exceeds the sixth predetermined temperature, set the charging power of the battery to 0, or determine the maximum discharge power of the battery and set the battery power to be less than or equal to the maximum discharge power, wherein the sixth predetermined temperature is less than the fifth predetermined temperature.

[0016] The controller can be further configured to: when charging the battery, using the determined highest and lowest temperatures and the battery charge level, determine the charging power of the battery at the highest temperature and the charging power at the lowest temperature by looking up a charging power table, and compare the determined charging power to determine the smaller charging power as the battery's maximum charging power; when discharging the battery, using the determined highest and lowest temperatures and the battery charge level, determine the discharging power of the battery at the highest temperature and the discharging power at the lowest temperature by looking up a discharging power table, and compare the determined discharging power to determine the smaller discharging power as the battery's maximum discharging power.

[0017] Another aspect of the present invention provides a battery power control method, the battery having a plurality of cells and a cooling block disposed above the cells, the method comprising: sensing the temperature of the cells using at least one first temperature sensor, at least one second temperature sensor, and at least one third temperature sensor; determining whether the battery has experienced a thermal runaway fault, an over-temperature fault, or a low-temperature fault using the temperatures sensed by the first, second, and third temperature sensors; wherein at least one first temperature sensor is disposed adjacent to an explosion-proof valve of at least one cell; at least one second temperature sensor is disposed at the lower part of at least one cell; and at least one third temperature sensor is disposed at the upper part of at least one cell.

[0018] The method further includes: comparing the temperatures sensed by the first temperature sensor, the second temperature sensor, and the third temperature sensor, and determining the highest temperature and the lowest temperature; using the determined highest temperature and the lowest temperature, determining whether the battery has experienced a thermal runaway fault, an over-temperature fault, or a low-temperature fault.

[0019] The method further includes: when it is determined that the battery has experienced a thermal runaway fault, an over-temperature fault, a low-temperature fault, or other serious fault, or the battery's charging voltage has reached the charging cut-off voltage, or the battery's discharging voltage has reached the discharging cut-off voltage, setting the battery's charging power or discharging power to 0; when it is determined that no thermal runaway fault, no over-temperature fault, no low-temperature fault, and no other serious fault has occurred, and the battery's charging voltage has not reached the charging cut-off voltage, and the battery's discharging voltage has not reached the discharging cut-off voltage, determining the battery's maximum charging power or maximum discharging power, and setting the battery's power to be less than or equal to the maximum charging power or maximum discharging power.

[0020] The method further includes: determining whether the highest temperature exceeds a first predetermined temperature and lasts for a first predetermined time; and determining that a thermal runaway fault has occurred if the highest temperature exceeds the first predetermined temperature and lasts for a first predetermined time.

[0021] The method further includes: if the highest temperature does not exceed a first predetermined temperature or does not last for a first predetermined time, determining whether the highest temperature exceeds a second predetermined temperature and lasts for a second predetermined time, and whether one-third or more of the total number of the first temperature sensor, the second temperature sensor, and the third temperature sensor are disconnected and continue for a second predetermined time; if the highest temperature exceeds the second predetermined temperature and lasts for a second predetermined time, and one-third or more of the total number of the first temperature sensor, the second temperature sensor, and the third temperature sensor are disconnected and continue for a second predetermined time, determining that a thermal runaway fault has occurred, wherein the second predetermined temperature is lower than the first predetermined temperature.

[0022] The method further includes: determining whether the highest temperature exceeds the second predetermined temperature and whether the temperature continues to rise and generate a predetermined temperature difference within a third predetermined time if the highest temperature does not exceed the second predetermined temperature or does not last for a second predetermined time, or if one-third or more of the total number of the first temperature sensor, the second temperature sensor and the third temperature sensor are not disconnected or do not last for a second predetermined time; and determining whether a thermal runaway fault has occurred if the highest temperature exceeds the second predetermined temperature and continues to rise and generate a predetermined temperature difference within a third predetermined time.

[0023] The method further includes: determining whether the highest temperature is lower than the third predetermined temperature if the highest temperature does not exceed the second predetermined temperature, or if the temperature does not continue to rise or a predetermined temperature difference is not generated within the third predetermined time; and determining that no thermal runaway fault has occurred if the highest temperature is lower than the third predetermined temperature, wherein the third predetermined temperature is lower than the second predetermined temperature.

[0024] The method further includes: if the highest temperature exceeds a third predetermined temperature, determining whether the highest temperature exceeds a second predetermined temperature; if the highest temperature exceeds the second predetermined temperature, after a fourth predetermined time, re-determining whether the highest temperature continues to rise within the third predetermined time and generates a predetermined temperature difference; and if the highest temperature does not exceed the second predetermined temperature, determining that a thermal runaway fault has occurred.

[0025] The method further includes: determining whether the minimum temperature is lower than a fourth predetermined temperature, and determining that a low-temperature fault has occurred if the minimum temperature is lower than the fourth predetermined temperature.

[0026] The method further includes: if the lowest temperature is not lower than the fourth predetermined temperature, determining whether the highest temperature exceeds the fifth predetermined temperature; if the highest temperature exceeds the fifth predetermined temperature, determining that an over-temperature fault has occurred, wherein the fifth predetermined temperature is greater than the fourth predetermined temperature.

[0027] The method further includes: if the highest temperature does not exceed a fifth predetermined temperature, determining whether the highest temperature exceeds a sixth predetermined temperature; if the highest temperature exceeds the sixth predetermined temperature, setting the charging power of the battery to 0, or determining the maximum discharge power of the battery and setting the battery power to be less than or equal to the maximum discharge power, wherein the sixth predetermined temperature is less than the fifth predetermined temperature.

[0028] The method further includes: when charging the battery, using the determined maximum and minimum temperatures and the battery charge, determining the charging power of the battery at the maximum temperature and the charging power at the minimum temperature by looking up a charging power table, and comparing the determined charging power to determine the smaller charging power as the battery's maximum charging power; when discharging the battery, using the determined maximum and minimum temperatures and the battery charge, determining the discharging power of the battery at the maximum temperature and the discharging power at the minimum temperature by looking up a discharging power table, and comparing the determined discharging power to determine the smaller discharging power as the battery's maximum discharging power.

[0029] The present invention adopts the above technical solution, which measures the temperature of the battery cell by placing temperature sensors in different parts of the battery cell, and uses the sensed battery cell temperature to determine whether the battery has failed and the type of failure, thereby controlling the battery power, thereby improving battery life and battery safety. Attached Figure Description

[0030] The exemplary embodiments of the present invention will be described in more detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings. For clarity, the same components in different drawings are shown with the same reference numerals. It should be noted that the drawings are for illustrative purposes only and are not necessarily drawn to scale. In these drawings:

[0031] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of a battery system based on a battery temperature sensor arrangement according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention;

[0032] Figure 2 This is a battery system discharge power meter based on a battery temperature sensor arrangement according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention;

[0033] Figure 3 This is a flowchart of a battery power control method according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. Detailed Implementation

[0034] The following provides a detailed description of the embodiments of the present invention. These embodiments are implemented based on the technical solution of the present invention, and provide detailed implementation methods and specific operation processes. However, the scope of protection of the present invention is not limited to the following embodiments.

[0035] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of a battery system based on a battery temperature sensor arrangement according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. Figure 2 This is a battery system discharge power meter based on a battery temperature sensor arrangement according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. Figure 3 This is a flowchart of a battery power control method according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

[0036] like Figure 1 As shown, a battery system based on a battery temperature sensor arrangement according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention may have 124 battery cells 4, which may have a blade-like structure and be evenly divided into two rows, each row may have 62 battery cells 4. In the battery system based on a battery temperature sensor arrangement according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, a cooling block 5 for cooling the battery is located above all the battery cells 4.

[0037] A battery system based on a battery temperature sensor arrangement according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention may further include at least one first temperature sensor 1, at least one second temperature sensor 2, and at least one third temperature sensor 3. A battery system based on a battery temperature sensor arrangement according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention may have 10 first temperature sensors 1, 4 second temperature sensors 2, and 4 third temperature sensors 3.

[0038] The first temperature sensor 1 can be arranged adjacent to the explosion-proof valve of the battery cell 4 to sense the temperature of the battery cell 4, thereby enabling immediate identification of temperature anomalies in the battery cell 4. In a battery system based on the arrangement of battery temperature sensors according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, each of the two rows of battery cells 4 may have five first temperature sensors 1, wherein three first temperature sensors 1 may be arranged on the left side of the battery cell 4, and preferably, evenly arranged in the arrangement direction of the battery cell 4; in addition, two first temperature sensors 1 may be arranged on the right side of the battery cell 4, and preferably, evenly arranged in the arrangement direction of the battery cell 4.

[0039] The second temperature sensor 2 can be arranged at the lower part of the battery cell 4 to sense the temperature of the battery cell 4, thereby immediately identifying the lowest temperature of the battery cell 4 during low-temperature heating operations and immediately determining the highest temperature of the battery cell 4 during high-temperature cooling operations. In a battery system based on battery temperature sensor arrangement according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, each of the two rows of battery cells 4 can have two second temperature sensors 2, wherein the two second temperature sensors 2 can be arranged at the lower right part of the battery cell 4, and preferably at the lower right part of the outermost battery cell 4 in the arrangement direction of the battery cells 4.

[0040] The third temperature sensor 3 can be arranged on the upper part of the battery cell 4 to sense the temperature of the battery cell 4, thereby immediately identifying the lowest temperature of the battery cell 4 during the high-temperature cooling operation of the battery and immediately identifying the highest temperature of the battery cell during the low-temperature heating operation of the battery. In a battery system based on battery temperature sensor arrangement according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, each of the two rows of battery cells 4 can have two third temperature sensors 3, wherein the two third temperature sensors 3 can be arranged in the upper middle part of the battery cell 4, and preferably in the upper middle part of the outermost battery cell 4 in the arrangement direction of the battery cell 4.

[0041] A battery system based on a battery temperature sensor arrangement according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention may further include a controller. The controller can receive temperatures sensed by a first temperature sensor 1, a second temperature sensor 2, and a third temperature sensor 3, and can determine whether the battery has experienced a thermal runaway fault, an over-temperature fault, or a low-temperature fault based on the temperatures sensed by these sensors. Furthermore, if it is determined that the battery has experienced a thermal runaway fault, an over-temperature fault, a low-temperature fault, or another serious fault, or if the battery's charging voltage reaches the charging cutoff voltage or the battery's discharging voltage reaches the discharging cutoff voltage, the controller can set the battery's charging power or discharging power to 0. If it is determined that no thermal runaway fault, no over-temperature fault, no low-temperature fault, and no other serious fault has occurred, and the battery's charging voltage has not reached the charging cutoff voltage or the discharging voltage has not reached the discharging cutoff voltage, the controller can determine the battery's maximum charging power or maximum discharging power and set the battery's power to be less than or equal to the maximum charging power or maximum discharging power.

[0042] Specifically, the controller can be configured to compare the temperatures sensed by the first temperature sensor 1, the second temperature sensor 2, and the third temperature sensor 3, and determine the highest and lowest sensed temperatures.

[0043] After determining the highest and lowest temperatures, the controller can determine whether the sensed highest temperature exceeds a first predetermined temperature and remains there for a first predetermined time. In an exemplary embodiment of the invention, the normal operating temperature range of the battery is -30°C to 60°C, the first predetermined temperature can be set to 90°C, and the first predetermined time can be 5 seconds. Preferably, when comparing the temperatures sensed by the first temperature sensor 1, the second temperature sensor 2, and the third temperature sensor 3, a second high temperature can be additionally determined as the second highest temperature. The controller can then determine whether the highest and second highest temperatures among the sensed temperatures exceed the first predetermined temperature and remain there for a first predetermined time to ensure accuracy.

[0044] If the highest temperature sensed exceeds a first predetermined temperature and persists for a first predetermined time, the controller can determine that the battery has experienced a thermal runaway fault and can reduce the battery's charging or discharging power to 0.

[0045] If the highest temperature does not exceed the first predetermined temperature or does not persist for the first predetermined time, the controller can determine whether the highest temperature exceeds the second predetermined temperature and persists for the second predetermined time, and whether one-third or more of the total number of the first, second, and third temperature sensors are disconnected and persist for the second predetermined time. The ratio of the number of disconnected sensors to the total number of the first, second, and third temperature sensors can be set according to actual usage. In an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the second predetermined temperature can be set to 70°C, and the second predetermined time can be 30 seconds. When the total number of the first, second, and third temperature sensors is 18, the number of disconnected temperature sensors can be 7.

[0046] If the highest temperature exceeds the second predetermined temperature and remains so for a second predetermined time, and one-third or more of the total number of the first temperature sensor, the second temperature sensor, and the third temperature sensor are disconnected and remain disconnected for a second predetermined time, the controller can determine that the battery has experienced a thermal runaway fault and can set the battery's charging power or discharging power to 0.

[0047] If the highest temperature does not exceed the second predetermined temperature or does not persist for the second predetermined time, or if one-third or more of the total number of the first, second, and third temperature sensors are not disconnected or do not persist for the second predetermined time, the controller can determine whether the highest temperature exceeds the second predetermined temperature and whether the temperature continues to rise and generates a predetermined temperature difference within a third predetermined time. In an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the third predetermined time can be set to 60 seconds, and the predetermined temperature difference can be set to 20°C. Preferably, the highest temperature can continue to rise within the third predetermined time and generate a predetermined temperature difference within the third predetermined time.

[0048] If the highest temperature exceeds the second predetermined temperature and continues to rise within a third predetermined time, generating a predetermined temperature difference, the controller can determine that the battery has experienced a thermal runaway fault and can reduce the battery's charging or discharging power to 0.

[0049] If the highest temperature does not exceed the second predetermined temperature, or if the temperature does not continue to rise or a predetermined temperature difference is not generated within the third predetermined time, the controller can determine whether the highest temperature is lower than the third predetermined temperature. In an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the third predetermined temperature can be set to 65°C.

[0050] If the maximum temperature is below the third predetermined temperature, the controller can determine that the battery has not experienced thermal runaway.

[0051] If the highest temperature exceeds a third predetermined temperature, the controller can determine whether the highest temperature exceeds a second predetermined temperature. If the highest temperature exceeds the second predetermined temperature, after a fourth predetermined time, the controller can re-determine whether the highest temperature continues to rise within the third predetermined time and generates a predetermined temperature difference. In an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the fourth predetermined time may be 1 minute.

[0052] If the highest temperature does not exceed the second predetermined temperature, the controller can determine that the battery has not experienced thermal runaway.

[0053] Furthermore, if the controller determines that the battery has not experienced thermal runaway, the controller can determine whether the minimum temperature is lower than a fourth predetermined temperature. In an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the fourth predetermined temperature can be set to -30°C.

[0054] If the minimum temperature is below the fourth predetermined temperature, the controller can determine that a low-temperature fault has occurred and can set the battery's charging or discharging power to 0.

[0055] If the minimum temperature does not fall below the fourth predetermined temperature, the controller can determine whether the maximum temperature exceeds the fifth predetermined temperature. In an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the fifth predetermined temperature can be set to 55°C.

[0056] If the maximum temperature exceeds the fifth predetermined temperature, the controller can determine that an over-temperature fault has occurred and can reduce the battery's charging or discharging power to 0.

[0057] If the highest temperature does not exceed the fifth predetermined temperature, the controller can determine whether the highest temperature exceeds the sixth predetermined temperature. In an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the sixth predetermined temperature can be set to 60°C.

[0058] If the maximum temperature exceeds a sixth predetermined temperature, the controller can either reduce the battery's charging power to zero, or determine the battery's maximum discharge power and set the battery's power less than or equal to the maximum discharge power. The method for determining the battery's maximum discharge power will be described below.

[0059] If the highest temperature does not exceed the sixth predetermined temperature, the controller can determine that the battery has not experienced a low temperature fault or an over-temperature fault.

[0060] If the controller determines that the battery has not experienced thermal runaway, low temperature, or over-temperature faults, it can determine whether other serious battery faults have occurred based on fault warning messages or flags issued by the battery controller. If a fault occurs in the battery system that seriously affects battery and vehicle safety, the controller can set the battery's charging or discharging power to zero. If it determines that no other serious battery faults have occurred, the controller can determine whether the battery's charging voltage has reached the charging cut-off voltage or the discharging voltage has reached the discharging cut-off voltage. If it determines that the battery's charging voltage has reached the charging cut-off voltage or the discharging voltage has reached the discharging cut-off voltage, the controller can set the battery's charging or discharging power to zero.

[0061] If the controller determines that the battery's charging voltage has not reached the charging cutoff voltage and the battery's discharging voltage has not reached the discharging cutoff voltage, it can determine the battery's maximum charging power or maximum discharging power and make the battery's power less than or equal to the maximum charging power or maximum discharging power.

[0062] like Figure 2 As shown, when the battery is discharging, the controller can use the determined maximum and minimum temperatures and the battery charge to determine the battery's discharge power at the maximum temperature and the discharge power at the minimum temperature by looking up the discharge power table, and compare the determined discharge power to determine the smaller discharge power as the battery's maximum discharge power.

[0063] Similarly, when charging the battery, the controller can use the determined maximum and minimum temperatures and the battery charge to determine the battery's charging power at the maximum temperature and the charging power at the minimum temperature by looking up the charging power table, and compare the determined charging power to determine the smaller charging power as the battery's maximum charging power.

[0064] In the following text, reference will be made to Figure 3 A battery power control method according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail.

[0065] A battery system based on a battery temperature sensor arrangement according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention may have 124 battery cells 4, which may have a blade-like structure and be evenly divided into two rows, each row may have 62 battery cells 4. In the battery system based on a battery temperature sensor arrangement according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, a cooling block 5 for cooling the battery is located above all the battery cells 4.

[0066] A battery system based on a battery temperature sensor arrangement according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention may further include at least one first temperature sensor 1, at least one second temperature sensor 2, and at least one third temperature sensor 3. A battery system based on a battery temperature sensor arrangement according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention may have 10 first temperature sensors 1, 4 second temperature sensors 2, and 4 third temperature sensors 3.

[0067] The first temperature sensor 1 can be arranged adjacent to the explosion-proof valve of the battery cell 4 to sense the temperature of the battery cell 4, thereby enabling immediate identification of temperature anomalies in the battery cell 4. In a battery system based on the arrangement of battery temperature sensors according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, each of the two rows of battery cells 4 may have five first temperature sensors 1, wherein three first temperature sensors 1 may be arranged on the left side of the battery cell 4, and preferably, evenly arranged in the arrangement direction of the battery cell 4; in addition, two first temperature sensors 1 may be arranged on the right side of the battery cell 4, and preferably, evenly arranged in the arrangement direction of the battery cell 4.

[0068] The second temperature sensor 2 can be arranged at the lower part of the battery cell 4 to sense the temperature of the battery cell 4, thereby immediately identifying the lowest temperature of the battery cell 4 during low-temperature heating operations and immediately determining the highest temperature of the battery cell 4 during high-temperature cooling operations. In a battery system based on battery temperature sensor arrangement according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, each of the two rows of battery cells 4 can have two second temperature sensors 2, wherein the two second temperature sensors 2 can be arranged at the lower right part of the battery cell 4, and preferably at the lower right part of the outermost battery cell 4 in the arrangement direction of the battery cells 4.

[0069] The third temperature sensor 3 can be arranged on the upper part of the battery cell 4 to sense the temperature of the battery cell 4, thereby immediately identifying the lowest temperature of the battery cell 4 during the high-temperature cooling operation of the battery and immediately identifying the highest temperature of the battery cell during the low-temperature heating operation of the battery. In a battery system based on battery temperature sensor arrangement according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, each of the two rows of battery cells 4 can have two third temperature sensors 3, wherein the two third temperature sensors 3 can be arranged in the upper middle part of the battery cell 4, and preferably in the upper middle part of the outermost battery cell 4 in the arrangement direction of the battery cell 4.

[0070] A battery system based on a battery temperature sensor arrangement according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention may further include a controller. The controller can receive temperatures sensed by a first temperature sensor 1, a second temperature sensor 2, and a third temperature sensor 3, and can determine whether the battery has experienced a thermal runaway fault, an over-temperature fault, or a low-temperature fault based on the temperatures sensed by these sensors. Furthermore, if it is determined that the battery has experienced a thermal runaway fault, an over-temperature fault, a low-temperature fault, or another serious fault, or if the battery's charging voltage reaches the charging cutoff voltage or the battery's discharging voltage reaches the discharging cutoff voltage, the controller can set the battery's charging power or discharging power to 0. If it is determined that no thermal runaway fault, no over-temperature fault, no low-temperature fault, and no other serious fault has occurred, and the battery's charging voltage has not reached the charging cutoff voltage or the discharging voltage has not reached the discharging cutoff voltage, the controller can determine the battery's maximum charging power or maximum discharging power and set the battery's power to be less than or equal to the maximum charging power or maximum discharging power.

[0071] Specifically, in step S10, the temperatures sensed by the first temperature sensor 1, the second temperature sensor 2, and the third temperature sensor 3 can be compared, and the highest and lowest sensed temperatures can be determined.

[0072] After determining the highest and lowest temperatures, in step S11, it can be determined whether the sensed highest temperature exceeds a first predetermined temperature and persists for a first predetermined time. In an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the normal operating temperature range of the battery is -30°C to 60°C, the first predetermined temperature can be set to 90°C, and the first predetermined time can be 5 seconds. Preferably, when comparing the temperatures sensed by the first temperature sensor 1, the second temperature sensor 2, and the third temperature sensor 3, a second high temperature can be additionally determined as the second highest temperature. The controller can determine whether the highest and second highest temperatures among the sensed temperatures exceed the first predetermined temperature and persist for a first predetermined time to ensure accuracy.

[0073] If the highest temperature sensed exceeds the first predetermined temperature and persists for the first predetermined time, in step S16, it can be determined that the battery has experienced a thermal runaway fault. After determining that the battery has experienced a thermal runaway fault, in step S80, the charging power or discharging power of the battery can be reduced to 0.

[0074] If the highest temperature does not exceed the first predetermined temperature or does not persist for the first predetermined time, in step S12, it can be determined whether the highest temperature exceeds the second predetermined temperature and persists for the second predetermined time, and whether one-third or more of the total number of the first, second, and third temperature sensors are disconnected and persist for the second predetermined time. The ratio of the number of disconnected sensors to the total number of the first, second, and third temperature sensors can be set according to actual usage. In an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the second predetermined temperature can be set to 70°C, and the second predetermined time can be 30 seconds. When the total number of the first, second, and third temperature sensors is 18, the number of disconnected temperature sensors can be 7.

[0075] If the highest temperature exceeds the second predetermined temperature and remains so for a second predetermined time, and one-third or more of the total number of the first temperature sensor, the second temperature sensor, and the third temperature sensor are disconnected and remain disconnected for a second predetermined time, in step S16, it can be determined that the battery has experienced a thermal runaway fault. After determining that the battery has experienced a thermal runaway fault, in step S80, the charging power or discharging power of the battery can be reduced to 0.

[0076] If the highest temperature does not exceed the second predetermined temperature or does not persist for the second predetermined time, or if one-third or more of the total number of the first, second, and third temperature sensors are not disconnected or do not persist for the second predetermined time, in step S13, it can be determined whether the highest temperature exceeds the second predetermined temperature and whether the temperature continues to rise and generates a predetermined temperature difference within a third predetermined time. In an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the third predetermined time can be set to 60 seconds, and the predetermined temperature difference can be set to 20°C. Preferably, the highest temperature can continue to rise within the third predetermined time and generate a predetermined temperature difference within the third predetermined time.

[0077] If the highest temperature exceeds the second predetermined temperature and continues to rise within a third predetermined time and generates a predetermined temperature difference, in step S16, it can be determined that the battery has experienced a thermal runaway fault. After determining that the battery has experienced a thermal runaway fault, in step S80, the charging power or discharging power of the battery can be reduced to 0.

[0078] If the highest temperature does not exceed the second predetermined temperature, or if the temperature does not continue to rise or a predetermined temperature difference is not generated within the third predetermined time, in step S14, it can be determined whether the highest temperature is lower than the third predetermined temperature. In an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the third predetermined temperature can be set to 65°C.

[0079] If the highest temperature is lower than the third predetermined temperature, it can be determined in step S15 that the battery has not experienced thermal runaway.

[0080] If the highest temperature exceeds the third predetermined temperature, in step S16, it can be determined whether the highest temperature exceeds the second predetermined temperature. If the highest temperature exceeds the second predetermined temperature, in step S17, after the fourth predetermined time, the process returns to step S13, where it can be re-determined whether the highest temperature continues to rise within the third predetermined time and generates a predetermined temperature difference. In an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the fourth predetermined time may be 1 minute.

[0081] If the highest temperature does not exceed the second predetermined temperature, it can be determined in step S15 that the battery has not experienced thermal runaway.

[0082] Furthermore, if the controller determines that the battery has not experienced thermal runaway, in step S20, it can be determined whether the minimum temperature is lower than a fourth predetermined temperature. In an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the fourth predetermined temperature can be set to -30°C.

[0083] If the minimum temperature is lower than the fourth predetermined temperature, a low temperature fault can be determined in step S21, and after the low temperature fault is determined, the charging power or discharging power of the battery can be reduced to 0 in step S80.

[0084] If the lowest temperature is not lower than the fourth predetermined temperature, in step S30, it can be determined whether the highest temperature exceeds the fifth predetermined temperature. In an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the fifth predetermined temperature can be set to 55°C.

[0085] If the highest temperature exceeds the fifth predetermined temperature, an over-temperature fault can be determined in step S31, and after the over-temperature fault is determined, the charging power or discharging power of the battery can be reduced to 0 in step S80.

[0086] If the highest temperature does not exceed the fifth predetermined temperature, in step S40, it can be determined whether the highest temperature exceeds the sixth predetermined temperature. In an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the sixth predetermined temperature can be set to 60°C.

[0087] If the highest temperature exceeds the sixth predetermined temperature, in step S41, the battery's charging power can be reduced to 0, or the controller can determine the battery's maximum discharge power and set the battery's power to be less than or equal to the maximum discharge power. The method for determining the battery's maximum discharge power will be described below.

[0088] If the highest temperature does not exceed the sixth predetermined temperature, in step S42, it can be determined that the battery has not experienced a low temperature fault or an over-temperature fault.

[0089] If it is determined that the battery has not experienced thermal runaway, low temperature, or over-temperature faults, in step S50, the battery may be assessed for other serious faults based on fault warning messages or flags issued by the battery controller. If a fault occurs in the battery system that seriously affects battery and vehicle safety, the battery's charging or discharging power can be reduced to 0. If it is determined that the battery has not experienced other serious faults, in step S60, it can be determined whether the battery's charging voltage has reached the charging cutoff voltage or the battery's discharging voltage has reached the discharging cutoff voltage. If it is determined that the battery's charging voltage has reached the charging cutoff voltage or the battery's discharging voltage has reached the discharging cutoff voltage, in step S80, the battery's charging or discharging power can be reduced to 0.

[0090] If it is determined that the battery's charging voltage has not reached the charging cutoff voltage and the battery's discharging voltage has not reached the discharging cutoff voltage, in step S70, the maximum charging power or maximum discharging power of the battery can be determined, and the battery's power can be made less than or equal to the maximum charging power or maximum discharging power.

[0091] like Figure 2 As shown, when the battery is discharging, the controller can use the determined maximum and minimum temperatures and the battery charge to determine the battery's discharge power at the maximum temperature and the discharge power at the minimum temperature by looking up the discharge power table, and compare the determined discharge power to determine the smaller discharge power as the battery's maximum discharge power.

[0092] Similarly, when charging the battery, the controller can use the determined maximum and minimum temperatures and the battery charge to determine the battery's charging power at the maximum temperature and the charging power at the minimum temperature by looking up the charging power table, and compare the determined charging power to determine the smaller charging power as the battery's maximum charging power.

[0093] The battery system and battery power control method based on battery temperature sensor arrangement disclosed in the above implementation scheme can sense the temperature of the battery cell in different parts by placing temperature sensors in different parts of the battery cell, and can determine whether the battery has failed and the type of failure based on the sensed temperature, thereby controlling the battery power, thereby improving battery life and battery safety.

[0094] The descriptions of the exemplary embodiments presented above are merely illustrative of the technical solutions of the present invention and are not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the invention to the precise forms described. Obviously, those skilled in the art can make many changes and variations based on the above teachings. The exemplary embodiments were chosen and described to explain the specific principles of the invention and its practical applications, thereby enabling others skilled in the art to understand, implement, and utilize the various exemplary embodiments of the invention and their various alternatives and modifications. The scope of protection of the present invention is intended to be defined by the appended claims and their equivalents.

Claims

1. A battery system based on a battery temperature sensor arrangement, the battery having multiple cells and a cooling block arranged above the cells, the battery system comprising: At least one first temperature sensor is arranged adjacent to the explosion-proof valve of at least one battery cell for sensing the temperature of the battery cell; At least one second temperature sensor is disposed at the lower part of at least one battery cell for sensing the temperature of the battery cell; At least one third temperature sensor is disposed on the upper part of at least one battery cell for sensing the temperature of the battery cell; as well as The controller receives the temperatures sensed by the first temperature sensor, the second temperature sensor, and the third temperature sensor, and determines whether the battery has experienced a thermal runaway fault, an over-temperature fault, or a low-temperature fault based on the temperatures sensed by the first temperature sensor, the second temperature sensor, and the third temperature sensor.

2. The battery system based on the arrangement of battery temperature sensors according to claim 1, wherein, The controller is configured as follows: The temperatures sensed by the first, second, and third temperature sensors are compared, and the highest and lowest temperatures are determined. By using the determined highest and lowest temperatures, it can be determined whether the battery has experienced thermal runaway, over-temperature, or low-temperature failures.

3. The battery system based on the arrangement of battery temperature sensors according to claim 2, wherein, The controller is further configured as follows: If it is determined that the battery has experienced thermal runaway, over-temperature, low-temperature, or other serious faults, or that the battery's charging voltage has reached the charging cutoff voltage or the battery's discharging voltage has reached the discharging cutoff voltage, the charging power or discharging power of the battery shall be set to 0. If it is determined that no thermal runaway fault, no over-temperature fault, no under-temperature fault, and no other serious fault has occurred, and the battery's charging voltage has not reached the charging cut-off voltage and the battery's discharging voltage has not reached the discharging cut-off voltage, determine the battery's maximum charging power or maximum discharging power, and ensure that the battery's power is less than or equal to the maximum charging power or maximum discharging power.

4. The battery system based on the arrangement of battery temperature sensors according to claim 2, wherein, The controller is further configured as follows: Determine whether the highest temperature exceeds a first predetermined temperature and remains there for a first predetermined time. A thermal runaway fault is determined to have occurred when the highest temperature exceeds a first predetermined temperature and remains so for a first predetermined time.

5. The battery system based on the arrangement of battery temperature sensors according to claim 4, wherein, The controller is further configured as follows: If the highest temperature does not exceed the first predetermined temperature, or does not last for the first predetermined time, Determine whether the highest temperature exceeds a second predetermined temperature and remains there for a second predetermined time, and whether one-third or more of the total number of the first, second, and third temperature sensors are disconnected and remain disconnected for the second predetermined time. A thermal runaway fault is determined to have occurred if the highest temperature exceeds a second predetermined temperature for a second predetermined time, and one-third or more of the total number of the first, second, and third temperature sensors are disconnected for the second predetermined time. The second predetermined temperature is lower than the first predetermined temperature.

6. The battery system based on the arrangement of battery temperature sensors according to claim 5, wherein, The controller is further configured as follows: If the highest temperature does not exceed the second predetermined temperature or does not last for the second predetermined time, or if one-third or more of the total number of the first, second, and third temperature sensors are not disconnected or do not last for the second predetermined time, Determine whether the highest temperature exceeds the second predetermined temperature, and whether the temperature continues to rise and generates a predetermined temperature difference within a third predetermined time period. A thermal runaway failure is determined when the highest temperature exceeds the second predetermined temperature and continues to rise within a third predetermined time, generating a predetermined temperature difference.

7. The battery system based on a battery temperature sensor arrangement according to claim 6, wherein, The controller is further configured as follows: If the highest temperature does not exceed the second predetermined temperature, or if the temperature does not continue to rise or a predetermined temperature difference does not occur within the third predetermined time period, Determine if the highest temperature is lower than the third predetermined temperature. If the maximum temperature is below the third predetermined temperature, it is determined that no thermal runaway fault has occurred. The third predetermined temperature is lower than the second predetermined temperature.

8. The battery system based on a battery temperature sensor arrangement according to claim 7, wherein, The controller is further configured as follows: If the highest temperature exceeds the third predetermined temperature. Determine whether the highest temperature exceeds the second predetermined temperature. If the highest temperature exceeds the second predetermined temperature, after the fourth predetermined time, it will be reassessed whether the highest temperature continues to rise and generates a predetermined temperature difference within the third predetermined time. A thermal runaway failure was determined when the highest temperature did not exceed the second predetermined temperature.

9. The battery system based on a battery temperature sensor arrangement according to claim 7, wherein, The controller is further configured as follows: Determine if the minimum temperature is lower than the fourth predetermined temperature. A low-temperature failure is identified when the minimum temperature is below the fourth predetermined temperature.

10. The battery system based on the arrangement of battery temperature sensors according to claim 9, wherein, The controller is further configured as follows: Provided the minimum temperature does not fall below the fourth predetermined temperature. Determine if the highest temperature exceeds the fifth predetermined temperature. An over-temperature fault was determined when the highest temperature exceeded the fifth predetermined temperature. The fifth predetermined temperature is greater than the fourth predetermined temperature.

11. The battery system based on a battery temperature sensor arrangement according to claim 10, wherein, The controller is further configured as follows: Provided the highest temperature does not exceed the fifth predetermined temperature. Determine if the highest temperature exceeds the sixth predetermined temperature. If the maximum temperature exceeds the sixth predetermined temperature, the battery charging power is reduced to 0, or the maximum discharge power of the battery is determined and the battery power is made less than or equal to the maximum discharge power. The sixth predetermined temperature is lower than the fifth predetermined temperature.

12. The battery system based on the arrangement of battery temperature sensors according to claim 3, wherein, The controller is further configured as follows: When charging the battery, using the determined highest and lowest temperatures and the battery capacity, the charging power of the battery at the highest temperature and the charging power at the lowest temperature are determined by looking up the charging power table, and the determined charging power is compared to determine the smaller charging power as the battery's maximum charging power. When the battery is discharging, using the determined maximum and minimum temperatures and the battery charge, the discharge power of the battery at the maximum temperature and the discharge power at the minimum temperature are determined by consulting the discharge power table. The determined discharge power is then compared, and the smaller discharge power is determined as the battery's maximum discharge power.

13. A battery power control method, the battery having a plurality of cells and a cooling block disposed above the cells, the method comprising: The temperature of the battery cell is sensed using at least one first temperature sensor, at least one second temperature sensor, and at least one third temperature sensor. The temperature sensed by the first temperature sensor, the second temperature sensor, and the third temperature sensor is used to determine whether the battery has experienced thermal runaway, over-temperature, or under-temperature faults. In this arrangement, at least one first temperature sensor is positioned adjacent to the explosion-proof valve of at least one battery cell; At least one second temperature sensor is arranged at the bottom of at least one battery cell; At least one third temperature sensor is arranged on the upper part of at least one battery cell.

14. The method of claim 13, further comprising: The temperatures sensed by the first, second, and third temperature sensors are compared, and the highest and lowest temperatures are determined. By using the determined highest and lowest temperatures, it can be determined whether the battery has experienced thermal runaway, over-temperature, or low-temperature failures.

15. The method of claim 14, further comprising: If it is determined that the battery has experienced thermal runaway, over-temperature, low-temperature, or other serious faults, or that the battery's charging voltage has reached the charging cutoff voltage or the battery's discharging voltage has reached the discharging cutoff voltage, the charging power or discharging power of the battery shall be set to 0. If it is determined that no thermal runaway fault, no over-temperature fault, no under-temperature fault, and no other serious fault has occurred, and the battery's charging voltage has not reached the charging cut-off voltage and the battery's discharging voltage has not reached the discharging cut-off voltage, determine the battery's maximum charging power or maximum discharging power, and ensure that the battery's power is less than or equal to the maximum charging power or maximum discharging power.

16. The method of claim 13, further comprising: Determine whether the highest temperature exceeds a first predetermined temperature and remains there for a first predetermined time. A thermal runaway fault is determined to have occurred when the highest temperature exceeds a first predetermined temperature and remains so for a first predetermined time.

17. The method of claim 16, further comprising: If the highest temperature does not exceed the first predetermined temperature, or does not last for the first predetermined time, Determine whether the highest temperature exceeds a second predetermined temperature and remains there for a second predetermined time, and whether one-third or more of the total number of the first, second, and third temperature sensors are disconnected and remain disconnected for the second predetermined time. A thermal runaway fault is determined to have occurred if the highest temperature exceeds a second predetermined temperature for a second predetermined time, and one-third or more of the total number of the first, second, and third temperature sensors are disconnected for the second predetermined time. The second predetermined temperature is lower than the first predetermined temperature.

18. The method of claim 17, further comprising: If the highest temperature does not exceed the second predetermined temperature or does not last for the second predetermined time, or if one-third or more of the total number of the first, second, and third temperature sensors are not disconnected or do not last for the second predetermined time, Determine whether the highest temperature exceeds the second predetermined temperature, and whether the temperature continues to rise and generates a predetermined temperature difference within a third predetermined time period. A thermal runaway failure is determined when the highest temperature exceeds the second predetermined temperature and continues to rise within a third predetermined time, generating a predetermined temperature difference.

19. The method of claim 18, further comprising: If the highest temperature does not exceed the second predetermined temperature, or if the temperature does not continue to rise or a predetermined temperature difference does not occur within the third predetermined time period, Determine if the highest temperature is lower than the third predetermined temperature. If the maximum temperature is below the third predetermined temperature, it is determined that no thermal runaway fault has occurred. The third predetermined temperature is lower than the second predetermined temperature.

20. The method of claim 19, further comprising: If the highest temperature exceeds the third predetermined temperature. Determine whether the highest temperature exceeds the second predetermined temperature. If the highest temperature exceeds the second predetermined temperature, after the fourth predetermined time, it will be reassessed whether the highest temperature continues to rise and generates a predetermined temperature difference within the third predetermined time. A thermal runaway failure was determined when the highest temperature did not exceed the second predetermined temperature.

21. The method of claim 19, further comprising: Determine if the minimum temperature is lower than the fourth predetermined temperature. A low-temperature failure is identified when the minimum temperature is below the fourth predetermined temperature.

22. The method of claim 21, further comprising: Provided the minimum temperature does not fall below the fourth predetermined temperature. Determine if the highest temperature exceeds the fifth predetermined temperature. An over-temperature fault was determined when the highest temperature exceeded the fifth predetermined temperature. The fifth predetermined temperature is greater than the fourth predetermined temperature.

23. The method of claim 22, further comprising: Provided the highest temperature does not exceed the fifth predetermined temperature. Determine if the highest temperature exceeds the sixth predetermined temperature. If the maximum temperature exceeds the sixth predetermined temperature, the battery charging power is reduced to 0, or the maximum discharge power of the battery is determined and the battery power is made less than or equal to the maximum discharge power. The sixth predetermined temperature is lower than the fifth predetermined temperature.

24. The method of claim 15, further comprising: When charging the battery, using the determined highest and lowest temperatures and the battery capacity, the charging power of the battery at the highest temperature and the charging power at the lowest temperature are determined by looking up the charging power table, and the determined charging power is compared to determine the smaller charging power as the battery's maximum charging power. When the battery is discharging, using the determined maximum and minimum temperatures and the battery charge, the discharge power of the battery at the maximum temperature and the discharge power at the minimum temperature are determined by consulting the discharge power table. The determined discharge power is then compared, and the smaller discharge power is determined as the battery's maximum discharge power.

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